Season is Two Days Away!

It is hard to believe that it is already that time of the year again. What time is it you may ask. Its Tribe time! The season looks hopeful for a young Cleveland team that hopes to redeem itself from last years mess. Lets take a look at what our pitching rotation might look like.

As far as the starting pitching rotation is concerned, I'd imagine it will look something like this:

1. Fausto Carmona

2. Carlos Carrasco

3. Justin Masterson

4. Josh Tomlin

5. Mitch Talbot

Fausto Carmona is looking to come off a mediocre year with one similar to the 2007 campaign where he was a 19 game winner. His 2007 season was phenomenal, and he looked to be a promising pitcher in the Major Leagues. However, he has not quite lived up to his potential since. If the Tribe is to make it anywhere this year, Fausto and his sinker are going to need to be at their best.

Carlos Carrasco is an enigma to me. I have not seen too much about this kid other than he is a young pitcher with a lot of potential. He is a 6 foot 3 inch 27 year old out of Venezuela. So far in spring trianing, he is 1-2 with an ERA of 5.96. Although this is only his rookie season, he is going to need to come out strong for the Tribe to make it down the stretch.

At number 3, we have a familiar face of Justin Masterson. Justin was with the Tribe last year, and was a nice young pitcher that showed a lot of potential. Masterson so far is spring training has posted a record of 0-2 and has an ERA of 5.40. If the offense is like it was last year, Masterson is really going to need to get that ERA down to be successful.

At number 4 is Josh Tomlin. Tomlin is a 27 year old who has never really lived up to his potential. In spring training, he has a record of 0-1 and ERA of 4.15. I haven't seen too much from Tomlin, but with what I've seen from him this spring, I think he will be a nice pitcher to have in the back of the rotation.

Finally at the tail end of the rotation is Mitch Talbot. Talbot was with the Tribe last year, and showed a promising future with the team. He had his ups and downs with the team, but I am hopeful he will be a key factor for the Tribe to create some commotion in the American League Central Division.

The bullpen will look something like this for the 2011 campaign.

Chris Perez (closer)

Rafael Perez

Chad Durbin

Tony Sipp

Vinnie Pestano

Frank Herrmann

Justin Germano

Joe Smith

Looking at this list, it reminds me of the beginning of the movie Major League when the construction worker is looking at the newspaper and sees the roster for the upcoming season and says "I haven't heard of half these guys". Although the bullpen features some familiar faces, there are many new faces that will need to be worked on to see if they will fit in. Last year, the bullpen was the weakest part of our team, in my opinion. I have the same feeling about this years team. The key will be to get the ball to Chris Perez who we will hope and pray will not blow it, and get the save.

The pitching rotation and bullpen are both very young. However, there is a considerable amount of talent. If the Tribe is to make it anywhere this year, the young guys are really going to need to step it up. I am very optimistic for this upcoming season, and cannot wait for it to start.

As always, Go Tribe,

Drew Lilly